Why IoT developers need a telecom operator. Report by Kostiantyn Andrusenko from Kyivstar
 Why IoT developers need a telecom operator. Report by Kostiantyn Andrusenko from Kyivstar

Telecom operators have been capable to provide not only communication services for a long time. In the field of IoT (Internet of Things), Kyivstar can help to develop new products and services quickly. That is the opinion of Kostiantyn Andrusenko – head of IoT development at Kyivstar. In his report for AI Conference Kyiv, he tells how IoT technologies are progressing with the help of the telecom operator.

IoT and mobile operators

Internet of Things is an ecosystem that represents the evolution of interaction of machines with machines ((М2М). It is a network that unites specific devices, which can be connected at any distance from one another. All similar devices form the IoT ecosystem.

This promising technology facilitates the advancement of the global economy. The research of McKinsey Global Institute shows that the contribution of IoT in the global GDP will equal $11 trillion by 2025. Using IoT, one can develop new services, create value for business customers and mass users.

According to Huawei, around 60% of mobile operators in the world are engaged in the development of the IoT. Those companies have a strategic vision implying that they will be the center of the ecosystem’s development in their country. The number of IoT connections in the world has exceeded the number of people meaning that the investments in the field will be growing.

The IoT comprises three important components:

  • network;
  • software;
  • devices.

The system cannot function without any of it meaning that any IoT solution should be a complex one.

Kostiantyn Andrusenko believes that the main mistake of startup companies that make projects in this field is the focus on just one of the components. For example, just on software development. Such a product will not be successful.

In its turn, Kyivstar has technical resources and basis for the development of promising IoT products. Specifically, the company can help with the scaling of the project, implement a payment system, big data analytics, and study the target audience.

“We have obtained a LTE 1800 (4G) license. We have more frequencies now. The wider the channel is, the better the communications capacity and the higher the network speed is,” Kostiantyn says. “If you opt to produce IoT products, you can use our М2М resources – sim cards, chips that will enable high speed.”

Prospects of IoT in Ukraine

Many industries have a potential for implementing IoT-based solutions aimed at speeding up and optimizing processes and banal saving. For example, the field of connected cars.

If a company has several cars, it will find the following products useful: location tracking, control of fuel consumption, control of driver's presence on the route. At least, they will help to reduce cash expenditures as well as optimize routes and time expenditures.

In medicine, the IoT realizes remote diagnostics for the customer. For example, using devices for monitoring and control of heart rate or blood sugar level.

Promising industries for the IoT in Ukraine:

  • smart metering;
  • agriculture;
  • car industry;
  • smart city;
  • finances;
  • healthcare;
  • manufacturing;
  • retail.

IoT products create new prospects and tools not used in business and everyday life previously. Ukraine already has enough of capabilities to develop the IoT. Today many Ukrainian companies that once emerged as IoT startups are mature businesses now selling products and services outside the country (PetCube, Isee, AZIOT, Cardiomo, OnCharge, etc.).

IoT projects implemented with the operator’s help

According to Kostiantyn Andrusenko, around a third of surveyed subscribers (28%) show interest in smart home technologies and ways to use them. The reason of such interest is mainly the issue of home security and safekeeping of property.

“We have recently announced the launch of our next IoT product – SafeHome. This service was developed in collaboration with Security Holding and it is quite an interesting offering: you do not have to buy it,” Kostiantyn Andrusenko notes. “You just file an application, receive a set of equipment free of charge and even do not pay for installation. You only pay the subscription fee for security services.”

In such a way, any telecom operator can provide IoT services for subscribers together with partners. Of course, under the condition that the operator has the required technical capabilities. Such collaboration is beneficial for both parties.

Besides, Kyivstar has launched the automobile IoT service called Autotracking early this year, which helps car owners to control their vehicles using a smartphone. Moreover, the solution helps to track the car’s location.

“These are not cutting-edge innovations, but they are new products and services for our country that create new values for the Ukrainian. The partner with whom we launched this product early this year is making his first millions of hryvnia today,” Kostiantyn comments.

Conclusion

Any IoT product is a complex solution that involves specific devices united in the network and functioning using special software. Mobile operators that work with IoT solutions can provide a basis for the development of many promising products including technical resources, scaling, trials of the solution, defining of the target audience. In such a way, telecom operators help to form IoT ecosystems in the countries.

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